MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio (WCMH) – A central Ohio police officer is dead after a Monday morning crash in Morrow County.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mount Gilead troopers are investigating a two-vehicle collision on U.S. 42, near the Morrow County Airport. Investigators say that a man driving a Ford F-150 westbound veered off the right side of the road, overcorrected and traveled left of center.

Summer Kennard, 20, was travelling east on U.S. 42 and was struck by the Ford F-150 in the eastbound lane just after 5:30 a.m.

Kennard, of Cardington, was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the Ford was treated for minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, troopers said.

Kennard was employed as a part-time police officer with both the Bellville and Butler police departments in Richland County. She was hired in July and had been taking online peace officer training courses, according to a state database.

In a statement, Bellville police said, “It is with great sadness to inform you that the Bellville Police Department lost an outstanding officer. Officer Summer Kennard tragically passed away on February 3, 2025, in a vehicle accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Kennard’s family and friends. She will always remain in our hearts and minds here in the department.”

Gov. Mike DeWine ordered federal and state flags on public grounds in Bellville lowered to half staff in honor of Kennard through Feb. 14. Public buildings in other parts of the state may lower flags at their discretion, according to DeWine’s order, which Bellville police posted on social media.

The highway patrol was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Department, Morrow County EMS and the Cardington Fire Department. Though the crash remains under investigation, alcohol or drugs are not believed to be a factor.